EFFECTS OF PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION ASSOCIATED WITH APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS ON MOTOR FUNCTIONALITY AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN A CHILD WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze a physiotherapy intervention combined with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) regarding motor functionality and cognitive performance in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), through an experience report. This is a descriptive, qualitative study—characterized as an experience report—conducted with a 6-year-old male child diagnosed with ASD. The physiotherapy intervention combined with ABA was carried out weekly, utilizing play-based activities, sensory stimuli, motor coordination training, self-care activities, social interaction, logical sequencing, and positive reinforcement. Observations made before and after the interventions were considered, focusing on motor, cognitive, behavioral, and functional aspects. Following the interventions, improvements were observed in verbal communication, eye contact, expression of affect, and social interaction, alongside reduced agitation and greater autonomy in activities of daily living, including toileting, personal hygiene, and dressing. It is concluded that the combination of physiotherapy and ABA yielded positive results regarding the child's functional, motor, cognitive, and behavioral development, fostering greater autonomy. However, as this is an experience report involving a short follow-up period, the results should be interpreted with caution.